why does the first chapter deal with the effect of natural disasters on the country folk

The first chapter introduces the story's plot, which in turn addresses the plight of the country folk in response to a devastating natural disaster. Illuninating the plight of those directly effected by the disaster is the purpose of the story. The natural disaster (Dust Bowl) caused them to lose their homes..... caused them to move west..... and caused them to leave behind everything they knew and possessed to follow a dream.